By Brad ‘Scoop’ Casey

Royal Palms Grand Opening

The new Royal Palms Resort celebrated its grand opening last Saturday, and what a party bash it was. Congrats to Lord Richard Gray and his staff for putting together a fabulous get-together. The property, which is located on Breakers Avenue, was shining with spectacular floral designs by Bobby Kyser of Pedals Panache. The showstoppers of the day were the fully nude male models that positioned themselves on floats in the two pools. At first I thought they were mannequins, but after studying them for 30 minutes saw movements and realized they were very real, live people.

One of the highlights of the day was seeing and conversing with longtime friend Jay Lynch, known to most of you as columnist Mrs. Beasley. It had been several years since we had seen each other. Jay looked great and was in good spirits.

Hotelier Richard Gray, who is spearheading the purchase of many beach properties, gave partygoers a tip that the beach is being developed into a quaint area to be called North Beach Village that will be pedestrian friendly and made up of small café’s, boutique motels and hotels. The investment group that Gray is working with has already purchased a dozen properties in the area.

Short Takes

Why are employees of a restaurant on the Drive complaining about not being paid … It will be announced soon that the owner of a popular Wilton Manors establishment will be taking a BIG position with a Fortune 500 company … Is a new sports bar coming to the Drive in the Fall … Where is Joe Angelo … Why are Broward County Sheriff ’s deputies hanging around Wilton Manors … ? Alibi has new flooring … Congrats to Java Boys owners Steve and Nicki Rose, who are proud grandparents … Congrats to Kevin Hopper, who is now publisher of a slick monthly publication in Denver called JUMP!

Picture #1

My good friend John Manzi sent me this picture that he took at New York City’s Gay Pride. John was one of over 500,000 people who attended the historic event right after the New York State legislative body OK’d gay marriage. New York State governor Andrew Cuomo was the hero of the day for his heroic efforts in getting the legislation passed. Parade participants and thousands of spectators carried signs thanking the governor, who marched in the parade along with New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Picture #2

Popeye, an American Bulldog, visits To The Moon owner Antonio Dumas (right) and William who, along with others, saved the animal from certain death. On a scorching afternoon, Popeye – on a leash – was being dragged down Wilton Drive by a man on a bicycle. The dog suffered heat stroke and passed out in front of the gift/candy shop. An alert Antonio Dumas brought the dog into the store, cooled it down and called the Ft. Lauderdale Fire and Rescue, who arrived and administered first aid and rushed the dog to an animal hospital where it fully recovered. Popeye dropped by To The Moon to say THANKYOU! By the way, Antonio raised over $500 from customers to help pay medical bills.

Thanks for picking us up this week and remember: To have a friend, you must first be a friend.

If you have a “scoop” for Brad Casey, please e-mail your information to BradC@JumpOnMarksList